VCOM Institutional Policy and Procedure Manual

VCOM Policy and Procedure

Policy #S003

In emergency situations, the Campus Dean (or designee), in the exercise of reasonable judgment, may bypass some or all of the above steps and considerations, in order to ensure campus safety or patient safety in the clinical sites, and/or the safety of other students. Nothing in this or other policies shall be construed to prevent VCOM from requiring students to, at all times, meet the College/program essential eligibility requirements and technical standards, and the policies and procedures that assure campus safety. The imposing of a MMLOA is an academic decision and is not a disciplinary action; however, separate disciplinary action may also occur as a result of a separate action by the student or an action from an underlying behavior of the student, pursuant to the College Catalog and Student Handbook. Individual Assessment Team In situations where there is a need for a student to have an individualized assessment, the Campus Dean shall appoint members of an Individual Assessment Team (IAT) to perform such individualized assessment. The IAT shall include, if possible, the Vice President for Institutional Policy and Administrative Law, the Executive Director for Academic Support Services for the Center for Institutional, Faculty, and Student Success, and two additional Associate Deans. The Campus Dean, within his/her discretion, may appoint different or additional members as the circumstances may require and shall appoint one of the members as Chair. The IAT shall convene as soon as possible to conduct the assessment. As the assessment is an academic proceeding, and not a legal proceeding, legal counsel is no allowed in the assessment. If a student believes a legal proceeding is warranted, this must be done through an outside court system. The IAT may adjourn and reconvene as necessary to appropriately investigate and receive evidence, including, but not limited to, testimonial and medical evidence. Within seven (7) working days of the conclusion of the assessment, the Chair of the IAT shall provide a written report and recommendations to the Campus Dean. A copy shall be provided to the student. The Campus Dean shall issue his/her decision within seven (7) working days and will notify the student, in writing of the decision. Decision of the Campus Dean If VCOM decides to impose a MMLOA, the Campus Dean will advise the student, via official VCOM email, followed by a letter delivered via certified mail and verbally by the appropriate administrator, of the leave and duration of the leave, any restrictions from coming on campus or entering a clinical site, and available grievance procedures should the student wish to challenge the decision. VCOM shall document the decision, as well as the underlying facts, assessments and determinations. Appeal Process Upon receiving written notification from the Campus Dean, the student, within seven (7) calendar days, may appeal the Campus Dean’s decision to the Provost. The Provost has discretionary power to affirm, modify, or remand the decision. The appeal must be in writing and be based upon new, relevant, and material information that was not available to the Campus Dean. After receiving the written appeal, the Provost will consider the request and will notify the student, in writing, of his/her decision generally within 14 calendar days of receiving the written appeal. 2.1 2.2 2.3

VCOM Mandatory Medical Leave of Absence Policy and Procedures

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